ASTM G132 testing for evaluating abrasion resistance of WC-Co hardmetal

The current test method experimentally simulates two-body abrasive wear of WC-6wt% Co hardmetal using modified pin abrasion tester configuration (ASTM G132). Silicon carbide (SiC) and alumina (Al2O3) with different sizes ranging from 22μm to 200 μm were used as abrasives in this test. Experiments were performed for different normal force from 4 to 16 N with constant sliding speed of 150 mm/s for 30 m sliding distance. Worn surface morphology and topography were characterized through SEM and white light interferometry. The obtained results clearly highlights the potential of pin abrasion tester for characterizing two body abrasion of hardmetals